Birds Around Me 0216 - Wimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) छोटा गोंघर, गुलिंदा

The Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) is a medium‑sized wading bird belonging to the curlew family, Scolopacidae. It is often mistaken for its close relative, the Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata), known in Hindi as गोर, गौंग, बड़ा गुलिंदा, or कुकरि जलरंक. While both species share a similar long, down‑curved bill and mottled brown plumage, the Eurasian Curlew is noticeably larger, with a longer beak and bulkier frame.  

Wimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) छोटा गोंघर, गुलिंदा
Iceland, July 2025

The Whimbrel, however, has distinctive features that set it apart. If observed closely, its head is darker, marked by two bold, pale streaks running lengthwise—a reliable field mark that helps birdwatchers distinguish it from the curlew. Its bill, though shorter on average, can sometimes appear long enough to cause confusion.  

Wimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) छोटा गोंघर, गुलिंदा
Iceland, July 2025

In the United Kingdom, the Eurasian Curlew is far more common, being a resident species that breeds widely across the country. The Whimbrel, by contrast, is not a permanent resident. It breeds further north, in regions such as Scotland’s northern isles, Scandinavia, and the Arctic tundra. During migration, Whimbrels pass through the UK, particularly along coastal regions, where they can be seen in winter as transient visitors.  

Whimbrels are long‑distance migrants, traveling thousands of kilometers between breeding grounds in the north and wintering areas in Africa, South Asia, and South America. Their preferred habitats include estuaries, mudflats, and sandy shores, where they probe the ground for invertebrates, crustaceans, and small mollusks.  

Globally, the Whimbrel is listed as Least Concern, but like many shorebirds, it faces threats from habitat loss, climate change, and human disturbance along migratory routes.  

Like Curlew, they are interesting waders to observe. Look out for them with Curlews and other waders in winters.

Hindi Names of Wimbrel (Numenius phaeopus): छोटा गोंघर, गुलिंदा

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https://birds.rekabira.in/p/this-is-list-of-birds-i-clicked-since.html 

Ashutosh Jhureley @BirdsAroundMe

Wimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) छोटा गोंघर, गुलिंदा
Iceland, July 2025

Wimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) छोटा गोंघर, गुलिंदा
Iceland, July 2025

Wimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) छोटा गोंघर, गुलिंदा
Iceland, July 2025

Wimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)  and Eurasian curlew (Numenius arquata)

Wimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)